Tutu-torial

Clare is big on spinning and "running in circles" these days. A new dancing skirt was in order. Here is one way to make a charming, quick tutu. A wonderful last minute birthday gift for a little girl and it's under $10.

DIY after the jump


What you need:

Sewing Machine
4 yds Tulle
Matching thread
Head pins
2ft elastic
Cutting Mat-optional
Clear Ruler-optional
Rotary Cutter-optional
embellishments (optional)

What to do:
1. cut 4 - 2"x4yd strips from the length of your tulle



2. Fold large piece of tulle in half the long way and then in half the long way again

3. Pin along the folded edge of the tulle about 1.5 inches from the fold


4. Sew a straight seam 1" from the fold along the entire 4yd length removing pins as you go. You may want to hold the fabric taut front to back so it doesn't gather as it runs under the foot. If it bunches a bit, it's ok.


5. You will have 2 single layers and 1 double (looped) layer of skirt. Separate the top (single) layer of skirt from the rest and line up the foot of your machine 1" from the bottom edge. Lay one of the 2" strips of tulle on top, aligned with the bottom edge of the skirt. Sew down the middle of the strip, pinching the strip to gather as you sew through it and through the skirt. You will use 2 of the 2"x4yd strips to complete one ruffle along the entire length.


6. Now lay your third 2"x4yd strip centered 3" from the bottom hem, so the 2 ruffles will touch slightly


7. Sew down the middle of the strip, pinching the strip to gather as you sew through it and through the skirt. You will also use 2 - 2"x4yd strips to complete the second ruffle along the entire length

8. Now run your elastic through the waistband just inside the single back layer of tulle. The 3 layers on the front of the waistband will help hide the elastic.

9. Be sure to pin the end of your elastic in place. If your elastic is not stiff enough to push through the tulle, you can attach a safety pin to the end of the elastic to help pull it through.


10. When you string it all the way through, pull the elastic out an inch or two and pin in place


11. Now overlap your elastic (to the desired waist measurement) and sew through both pieces of elastic several times


12. Tuck the elastic ends into the waistband and evenly distribute your gathered waistband

13. If your bottom "hem" is uneven, you may want to trim the underlying tulle layers but only if it bothers you

Now is the fun part, decorate your dancing skirt with ribbon, bows, embellishments, sequins, silk flowers, whatever you think little fancy-pants will like. I sewed on a simple bow with strings of sequins down the ribbons.

Now, pardon us as we head off to twirl...